and round about the throne there is a rainbow like an emerald in appearance.” (Revelation 4:3)

7. What can we learn from the fact that there is a rainbow around Jehovah’s throne?

⁷ Notice that John sees around the throne a rainbow, colored emerald green. The Greek word here translated rainbow (irʹis) suggests a completely circular form. The rainbow is first mentioned in the Bible in connection with Noah’s day. After the waters of the Deluge subsided, Jehovah caused a rainbow to appear in the cloud, and he explained what it symbolized in these words: “My rainbow I do give in the cloud, and it must serve as a sign of the covenant between me and the earth. And I shall certainly remember my covenant which is between me and you and every living soul among all flesh; and no more will the waters become a deluge to bring all flesh to ruin.” (Genesis 9:13, 15) What, then, would the heavenly vision bring to John’s mind? The rainbow that he saw must have reminded him of the need for a peaceful relationship with Jehovah, such as the John class enjoys today. It would also impress him with the serenity and peace of Jehovah’s presence, a serenity that will extend to all obedient humans when Jehovah spreads his tent over mankind in the new earth society.​—Psalm 119:165; Philippians 4:7; Revelation 21:1-4.